英語六級考試——寫作真題選析之圖畫型
五、圖畫型
(一)題型描述
顧名思義,即給出了圖畫(漫畫或圖片)要求考生寫出文章。在2012年6月之前,圖畫作文可以說是考研英語的專利,因為從1998年開始,考研英語(尤其是2010年分出的考研英語一)幾乎每次考的都是圖畫作文。但是近兩年這種局面被打破。繼2012年6月六級考查了圖畫作文之后,2013年6月四級作文也破天荒地考查了圖畫作文。作為四六級的新興題型,這種寫作自然會引起大家的重視,但完全沒有必要驚慌,因為有大量的考研英語寫作經驗可以借鑒,而且相比此前講過的作文類型而言,圖畫作文只不過多了一段看圖說話的文字,另外兩段的拓展方式甚至語言都與前述類型很像,的確沒什么可怕的。在這里以2012年6月的真題為例進行講解。
(二)真題示例
2012年6月六級真題
Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay entitled The Impact of the Internet on Interpersonal Communication.Your essay should start with a brief description of the picture.You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.
(三)整體構思
如前文所述,從2011年12月開始,六級寫作不再給出具體提綱。在這道題中,只是要求考生在作文開始的部分簡要描述圖畫(Your essay should start with a brief description of the picture)。但是,在此基礎上很容易想到如下三個步驟:
·描述圖畫
·闡述寓意
·總結、建議或其他
(四)分段寫作
下面分別講解每一段的寫作。
第一段
本段不用太長,一般2~3句,按先主后次或時間、空間順序寫出與主題相關的細節(jié)。語言上常用現在進行時,可用復雜簡單句(即用分詞短語、介詞短語等作定語或狀語)、并列句(如用while連接兩個句子)、復合句(如非限制性定語從句)和倒裝句(如方位詞+系動詞+主語)。
第二段
按題目要求,本段應該寫互聯網對人際交流的影響(The Impact of the Internet on Interpersonal Communication)。當然,圖中所體現的影響似乎是不好的:父親想與女兒面對面交流,而女兒卻拒絕了,讓父親去看她的博客。但如果在考場上只寫網絡對人際交流的負面影響,詞數寫不夠,也可以稍微提及其正面影響:有些話確實不方便面對面說,即使是父母和子女之間也可以通過文字交流來更方便、更充分地表達思想。在實際寫作時,可以采用讓步的方式,先提及其積極作用,然后話鋒一轉,重點說其負面影響。這可以叫讓步反駁法,也可以叫陳述利弊的寫法。當然,后面我們在“模板變臉”的部分還會提及其他方法來闡述寓意,如舉例論證法、分析原因法、分析結果法。
第三段
其實第三段在構思上并不難,可以對原文進行總結,即用不一樣的詞句再次表達圖畫的寓意,也可以就負面影響提出解決辦法,或者展望一下未來互聯網對人際交流的影響。
(五)高分模板
其實,通過這篇文章的寫作,可以總結出一批圖畫作文的模板,即下文中畫線的部分:
The Impact of the Internet on Interpersonal Communication
This is a sarcastic but true?to?life picture.As we can see in it,a father asks his daughter about her day in school.The daughter,walking away from her father,answers carelessly,“You can read all about it on my blog,Dad.”
Though the drawing is simple,the message it conveys is thought?provoking.Apparently,it is meant to reveal the fact that such online means of communication as blog,micro blog,QQ and MSN,are affecting interpersonal communication.While we should not turn a blind eye to the positive role of online means of communication,such as fuller and freer expression of one's thoughts,and accessibility of people far away,we should also pay due attention to its negative effect.Just as the cartoon reveals,many youngsters tend to spend more time online than chatting with others,their parents included,face to face.Evidently,this will exert a negative influence on their relationship with others.Due to the absence of facial expressions,eye contact,gestures,physical contact and timely feedback,misunderstanding may come as a result,leading to conflicts eventually.
Bringing what has been discussed into a conclusion,we should strike a balance between the use of modern media and traditional ways of communication.While we are enjoying the benefits of virtual communication,we should not forsake face?to?face exchange with our family members or friends.
譯文
網絡對人際交流的影響
這是一幅有諷刺意味卻很反映現實的圖畫。如圖所示,一位父親問他的女兒一天的學校生活怎么樣。女兒一邊從父親身邊走開,一邊漫不經心地回答:“你上我博客上看看就都知道了,爸?！?
盡管圖畫簡單,但其寓意卻發(fā)人深省。很明顯,它的用意是揭示這一事實:諸如博客、微博、QQ、MSN這樣的網絡溝通方式正在影響人際交流。盡管我們不應無視網絡交流方式的積極作用,如更充分、更自由的思想表達以及與遠方的人交流的可行性等,我們也應該關注其負面影響。就像圖片所揭示的那樣,很多年輕人似乎要花更多的時間上網,而不是與其他人,包括父母,進行面對面的聊天。很明顯,這將對他們的人際關系造成消極影響。因為缺乏面部表情、眼神接觸、手勢、肢體接觸以及及時的反饋,可能就會產生誤解,最終造成矛盾。
綜上所述,我們應該在使用現代媒體和傳統(tǒng)交流方式之間達到一種平衡。在我們享受虛擬交流的益處時,也不應該放棄與家人和朋友的面對面交流。
(六)學以致用
套用上面這一模板就可以輕松地寫出更多同類作文,如2009年考研英語的大作文:
Directions:Write an essay of 160~200 words based on the drawing given below.In your essay,you should
1)describe the drawing briefly;
2)explain its intended meaning,and then
3)give your comment
其實,這道題與六級上述真題如出一轍,或者說,2012年6月的六級真題就是仿照這一作文出的。從這層意義上說,我們關注一下考研寫作的話題對四六級考試也是有好處的。
范文
This is a sarcastic but true?to?life picture.As we can see in it,there is a web with lots of people on it.But a careful examination reveals that those people are all sitting in front of computers in separate chambers.Though they are quite close to each other,they do not have much contact.On the other hand,they are most possibly communicating with people far away on the Internet.
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is thought?provoking.Apparently,it is meant to reveal the fact that such online means of communication as blog,micro blog,QQ and MSN,are affecting interpersonal communication.While we should not turn a blind eye to the positive role of online means of communication,such as fuller and freer expression of one's thoughts,and accessibility of people far away,we should also pay due attention to its negative effect.Just as the cartoon reveals,people tend to be too much addicted to Internet to maintain a regular and wholesome lifestyle.They tend to spend more time online than chatting face to face.Evidently,this will exert a negative influence on their relationship with others.
Bringing what has been discussed into a conclusion,we should strike a balance between the use of modern media and traditional ways of communication.While we are enjoying the benefits of virtual communication,we should not forsake face?to?face exchange with our family members or friends.
(七)模板變臉
其實,圖畫作文還可以細分。上述模板適用于寫分析事物利弊的話題,可稱為“陳述利弊型”,在第二段的擴展中可以說用的是“陳述利弊”的寫法。而有些圖畫揭示的完全是壞事(可稱為“解決問題型”),有些揭示的完全是好事(可稱為“良性趨勢型”),還有些揭示的是永恒的哲理(可稱為“人生哲理型”),在寫第二段時需要使用其他方法,具體而言就是“舉例論證”、“分析原因”、“分析影響”。所用的模板句自然就有相應的變化。下面分別舉例。
1.解決問題型
Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the following picture.Your essay should start with a brief description of the picture.You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.
該題明顯反映的是有些子女拒絕贍養(yǎng)父母這一嚴重問題,因此屬于“解決問題型”。第二段闡述寓意時可以舉例論證,也可以分析原因或影響;第三段基本上就是提出解決問題的建議了。
范文
This is a simple but meaningful drawing.As we can see in it,a poor old man in shabby clothes curls into a ball.Around him are his three sons and a daughter,each of whom is keeping goal and ready to kick the old father away from himself or herself.
第二段寫法一:
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the fact that some people do not provide for their parents.Actually,almost no one could have failed to notice the phenomenon that nowadays many people ill?treat their aged parents or refuse to support them.(舉例論證→)Taking a look around,we can find examples too numerous to list.Some just do as the sons and daughter in the picture.Others may support their parents financially,but turn a blind eye to their emotional needs.They either leave their parents in loneliness without paying visits to them frequently,or stop the widowed ones getting remarried.
第二段寫法二:
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the fact that some people do not provide for their parents.Actually,almost no one could have failed to notice the phenomenon that nowadays many people ill?treat their aged parents or refuse to support them.(分析原因→)A number of factors may account for such a phenomenon.One may attribute it to the fast pace of modern life and the increasing pressure on working young people,but they are surely not the major reasons.A fundamental cause,I believe,is a lack of education regarding respecting and loving the old.
第二段寫法三:
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the fact that some people do not provide for their parents.Actually,almost no one could have failed to notice the phenomenon that nowadays many people ill?treat their aged parents or refuse to support them.(分析影響→)This has resulted in the miserable life of a number of senior citizens.Should this trend continue,this society would be ruined morally.Besides,the wrong?doers will one day reap what they have sown and be maltreated by their off?spring.
In view of the seriousness of the situation,effective measures must be taken before things get worse.In the first place,it is imperative that relevant laws should be worked out and rigidly enforced to protect the interest of senior citizens.In the second place,a deep?going,widespread and ever?lasting campaign should be launched to enhance people's awareness of loving and respecting their parents.Only with these measures taken can we expect a brighter future.
譯文
這是一幅簡單而有寓意的漫畫。如圖所示,一位可憐的老年人穿著破舊的衣服,蜷成一團。在他的周圍是他的三個兒子和一個女兒,他們每個人都在守門,并且準備把老父親從自己身邊踢開。
第二段寫法一:
盡管這幅畫很簡單,但它傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它的用意是揭示一些人不贍養(yǎng)父母這一事實。事實上,幾乎人人都注意到這一現象:現在很多人虐待年邁的父母或者拒絕贍養(yǎng)他們。看看周圍,我們會發(fā)現這樣的例子不勝枚舉。一些人就是像圖畫中的兒女那樣做的。另外一些人可能會在經濟方面接濟父母,但對他們的情感需求卻置之不理。他們要么任由父母孤獨寂寞,不經常探望,要么阻止孤寡的老人再婚。
第二段寫法二:
盡管這幅畫很簡單,但它傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它的用意是揭示一些人不贍養(yǎng)父母這一事實。事實上,幾乎人人都注意到這一現象:現在很多人虐待年邁的父母或者拒絕贍養(yǎng)他們。很多因素可以解釋這一現象。有人會將這種現象歸因于現代生活的快節(jié)奏和上班的年輕人身上不斷增加的壓力,但這些絕對不是主要原因。我認為,根本原因是缺乏敬老和愛老的教育。
第二段寫法三:
盡管這幅畫很簡單,但它傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它的用意是揭示一些人不贍養(yǎng)父母這一事實。事實上,幾乎人人都注意到這一現象:現在很多人虐待年邁的父母或者拒絕贍養(yǎng)他們。這造成了很多老年人的凄慘生活。如果這種趨勢繼續(xù)下去,這個社會就會道德淪喪。另外,這些作惡者早晚有一天會自食其果,遭到他們子女的虐待。
鑒于形勢的嚴重性,必須采取有效措施,防止情況惡化。首先,必須制定并嚴格執(zhí)行相關的法律來保護老年人的利益。其次,應該開展一場深入、廣泛而持久的宣傳來提高人們愛戴和尊敬父母的意識。只有隨著這些措施的貫徹實施,我們才能期待一個更光明的未來。
2.良性趨勢型
Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the following picture.Your essay should start with a brief description of the picture.You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.
該題明顯反映的是文化多元化或文化融合這一趨勢,這應該是好事,而且圖畫標題“文化‘火鍋’,既美味又營養(yǎng)”更明確了這一點,因此屬于“良性趨勢型”作文。第二段闡述寓意時仍然可以舉例論證、分析原因或分析影響;而且也可以把其中兩種方法結合使用;第三段可以提出建議,指出要使圖畫中的趨勢得以繼續(xù)。其實很多語言可以與“解決問題型”模板一樣,如范文所示:
范文
This is a simple but meaningful picture.As we can see in it,there is a hot pot with a rich variety of food materials in it:Buddhism,Confucianism,Taoism,Kungfu,Lao She,Shakespeare,Einstein,postmodernism,deconstruction,the Swan Lake,Beijing Opera and so on.The caption reads that “the culture hot pot is both delicious and nutritious.”
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the fact that Chinese culture has become diversified.Actually,almost no one could have failed to notice the phenomenon that nowadays an increasing number of cultures have been introduced into our society.(分析原因→)A number of factors may account for such a phenomenon,but the fundamental ones are China's opening?up policy and the trend of globalization.(分析影響→)If this situation goes as it is,the consequence will be encouraging.
In view of the benefits of the trend,effective measures must be taken to maintain it.In the first place,it is imperative that pertinent policies should be worked out and enforced to encourage the existence of various cultures.In the second place,people should be educated to enhance the awareness of tolerance and compromise.Only with these measures taken can we expect a harmonious and prosperous society.
譯文
這是一幅簡單而有寓意的漫畫。如圖所示,有一個火鍋,里面有各種各樣的食材:佛、儒、道、功夫、老舍、莎士比亞、愛因斯坦、后現代、解構、天鵝湖、京劇,等等。標題寫的是:“文化‘火鍋’,既美味又營養(yǎng)”。
盡管這幅畫很簡單,但它傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它的用意是揭示中國文化變得多元這一事實。事實上,幾乎人人都注意到這一現象:現在越來越多的文化被引入我們的社會當中。很多因素可以解釋這一現象,但根本因素是中國的開放政策和全球化的潮流。如果這種趨勢繼續(xù)下去,結果將是鼓舞人心的。
鑒于這一趨勢的好處,必須采取有效措施將其保持下去。首先,必須制定并執(zhí)行相關的政策來鼓勵多種文化的存在。其次,應該教育人們提高容忍和妥協的意識。只有采取這些措施,我們才能期待一個和諧而繁榮的社會。
3.人生哲理型
Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the following picture.Your essay should start with a brief description of the picture.You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.
該題明顯反映的是“人不應該夸大困難,而應該有自信”這一寓意,因此屬于“人生哲理型”。只有哲理闡述較為抽象,我們可以引用具體的事例進行論證。本文可以寫為三段:第一段描述圖畫,第二段開頭點明寓意,第二段后半部分舉例論證,第三段進行總結或給出建議。如果覺得舉例部分寫不了太多,顯得文章單薄,仍然可以加上分析原因或分析影響的語句,很多語句可以與“解決問題型”或“良性趨勢型”模板一樣,如范文所示:
范文
This is a simple but meaningful picture.As we can see in it,one person in it is going to shoot and the other is keeping goal.While the former is imagining the latter to be much stronger than he looks,the latter is picturing himself as being a lot weaker than he actually is.
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the importance of confidence on our way to success.Confident in ourselves,we shall overcome almost all hardships;otherwise,we shall be defeated by unworthy enemies.Actually,history abounds with examples for this theory.The victory of the People's Liberation Army over the Kuomintang troops is a case in point.Though the latter were armed to teeth,they were far from formidable.With confidence in themselves,the PLA finally won the war.
Bringing what has been discussed into a conclusion,we may say that the lack of confidence is a major barrier on our way to success.In a word,we should truly understand the profound meaning of the picture and try various means to cultivate our confidence.
譯文
這是一幅簡單而有寓意的漫畫。如圖所示,一個人正在準備射門,另一個人在守門。前者把后者想象得比看上去要強大得多,而后者則把自己想象得比實際上要弱小得多。
盡管這幅畫很簡單,但它傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它的用意是揭示自信在我們成功道路上的重要性。如果對自己有信心,我們就會克服幾乎所有的困難;否則,我們就會被一些看似渺小的敵人所打敗。事實上,歷史上關于這一道理的例子層出不窮。人民解放軍戰(zhàn)勝國民黨部隊就是一個典型的例證。盡管后者武裝到了牙齒,但他們遠非不可戰(zhàn)勝。懷著對自己的信心,人民解放軍最終贏得了戰(zhàn)爭的勝利。
綜上所述,我們可以說,缺乏自信是我們成功道路上的一個主要障礙。簡而言之,我們應該真正理解這幅圖畫的深刻含義,想方設法培養(yǎng)我們的自信。
(八)變臉應用
1.解決問題型
Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the following picture.Your essay should start with a brief description of the picture.
You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.
范文
This is a simple but meaningful drawing.As we can see in it,a man living on the upper floor of a building is watering a plant,whose roots have grown downward so far that they have barred the window of an old man living downstairs,making his apartment a prison.
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the fact that some people tend to base their own happiness on other's bitterness.Actually,almost no one could have failed to notice the phenomenon that nowadays many people only care about themselves while ignoring others'interests.Taking a look around,we can find examples too numerous to list.It is never too rare to see some people walking their dogs outdoors and let them shit everywhere.Nor is it to find some honking the horn of their cars willfully while driving in the street,disturbing people living around.
In view of the seriousness of the situation,effective measures must be taken before things get worse.In the first place,it is imperative that relevant laws should be worked out and rigidly enforced to punish those who infringe upon others'rights.In the second place,a deep?going,widespread and ever?lasting campaign should be launched to enhance people's awareness of loving and caring about one another.Only with these measures taken can we expect a brighter future.
譯文
這是一幅簡單而有寓意的漫畫。如圖所示,一位住在樓上的人正在澆花,花根向下長得很長,擋住了樓下老人的窗戶,讓老人的家變得像監(jiān)獄一樣。
盡管這幅畫很簡單,但它傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它的用意是揭示一些人把自己的幸福建立在別人的痛苦之上這一事實。事實上,幾乎人人都注意到這一現象:現在很多人只關心自己,而忽視別人的利益?？纯粗車?我們會發(fā)現這樣的例子不勝枚舉。我們經常看到一些人在戶外遛狗,讓狗隨處大小便。也不難發(fā)現一些人在大街上開車時亂按喇叭,打擾了周圍的居民。
鑒于形勢的嚴重性,必須采取有效措施,防止情況惡化。首先,必須制定并嚴格執(zhí)行相關的法律來懲罰那些侵犯他人權利的人。其次,應該開展一場深入、廣泛而持久的宣傳來提高人們相互關愛的意識。只有采取這些措施,我們才能期待一個更光明的未來。
2.良性趨勢型
Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the following pictures.Your essay should start with a brief description of the pictures.You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.
范文
These are two simple but meaningful pictures.As we can see in the first one,some young men and women are getting ready to work as volunteers,most possibly to attend some rescuing activities.In the second,some volunteers for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games are showing the way for some foreign visitors.
Simple as the pictures are,the message they convey is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the fact that more Chinese are willing to work as volunteers.Actually,almost no one could have failed to notice the phenomenon that nowadays an increasing number of volunteers have appeared in China.Taking a look around,we can find examples too numerous to list.These volunteers have undoubtedly contributed considerably to this society.If this situation goes as it is,the consequence will be encouraging.
In view of the benefits of the trend,effective measures must be taken to maintain it.In the first place,it is imperative that pertinent policies should be worked out and enforced to encourage more people to participate in volunteering activities.In the second place,people should be educated to enhance the awareness of loving and caring for one another.Only with these measures taken can we expect a harmonious and prosperous society.
譯文
這是兩張簡單而有寓意的照片。如第一張所示,一些年輕人正在準備去做志愿者,很可能是去參加某些救援行動。在第二張照片中,一些2008年北京奧運會的志愿者正在為一些外國游客指路。
盡管這兩張照片很簡單,但它們傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它們旨在揭示更多的中國人愿意做志愿者這一事實。事實上,幾乎人人都注意到這一現象:現在中國出現了越來越多的志愿者?？纯粗車?我們會發(fā)現例子不勝枚舉。這些志愿者無疑為我們社會做出了巨大貢獻。如果這種趨勢繼續(xù)下去,結果將是鼓舞人心的。
鑒于這一趨勢的好處,必須采取有效措施將其保持下去。首先,必須制定并執(zhí)行相關的政策來鼓勵更多的人參與到志愿者活動當中來。其次,應該教育人們提高相互關愛的意識。只有采取這些措施,我們才能期待一個和諧而繁榮的社會。
3.人生哲理型
Directions:For this part,you are allowed 30 minutes to write a short essay based on the following picture.Your essay should start with a brief description of the picture.You should write at least 150 words but no more than 200 words.
范文
This is a simple but meaningful picture.As we can see in it,a man is searching for the source of water.He has already dug many wells but none of them has reached water.In fact,water is just a few inches below the bottom of one of the wells.With a cigarette between his lips and a spade in his hands,he walks away leisurely,saying to himself in mind that there is no water here and he will try another place.
Simple as the drawing is,the message it conveys is profound and far?reaching.Obviously,it is meant to reveal the importance of perseverance on our way to success.With perseverance,we shall overcome almost all hardships;otherwise,we shall be defeated by unworthy enemies.Actually,history abounds with examples for this theory.The discovery of the chemical element radium by Madam Curie is a case in point.It was after hundreds of days and nights and countless times of failure that the great scientist achieved her goal.
Bringing what has been discussed into a conclusion,we may say that the lack of perseverance is a major barrier on our way to success.In a word,we should truly understand the profound meaning of the picture and try various means to cultivate our perseverance.
譯文
這是一幅簡單而有寓意的漫畫。如圖所示,一個人正在尋找水源。他已經挖了很多口井,但沒有一口挖到水的。事實上有一口差一點就夠到水了。他叼著煙,拿著鍬,悠然地走開了,一邊走,一邊自言自語道:“這里沒有水,換個地方挖!”
盡管這幅畫很簡單,但它傳達的寓意卻很深刻。很明顯,它旨在揭示毅力在我們成功道路上的重要性。如果有毅力,我們就會克服幾乎所有的困難;否則,我們就會被一些看似渺小的敵人所打敗。事實上,歷史上關于這一道理的例子層出不窮。居里夫人發(fā)現鐳元素就是一個典型例證。這位偉大的科學家是在幾百個日日夜夜和數不清的失敗之后才達到目的的。
綜上所述,我們可以說,缺乏毅力是我們成功道路上的一個主要障礙。簡而言之,我們應該真正理解這幅圖畫的深刻含義,想方設法培養(yǎng)我們的毅力。
